Passenger numbers take off

Albury Airport has reached new heights, thanks to a significant increase in the number of passengers arriving or departing in the past financial year.

In 2016/17, a total of 262,545 passengers passed through the terminal, compared with 246,512 passengers in 2015/16. That represents an increase of 6.5 per cent.

AlburyCity Mayor Kevin Mack said the increase reflected a range of factors, including the introduction of new services such as flights to and from Queensland, improved marketing and brand awareness campaigns, and the hosting of major conferences and other functions on the border.

“The rise in passenger numbers is a credit to efforts by our four airline partners and airport staff to enhance the airport’s role as the region’s gateway to the world,” he said.

“It also reflects the strength of the region’s economic pulling power, whether as a destination for conferences and business, or for arrivals of people taking holidays at local attractions such as the snowfields."

The growth at the airport reflects data in the recently-released Albury Wodonga Visitor Economy Trends Report which showed:

Tourism injected $742.5M into the economy, up from $613M in 2015.

Domestic overnight visitor spend increased by 46% to $175.

International visitors increased by 31% during 2016.

Albury Wodonga events attracted more than 197,000 people in 2016 and generated an estimated $47.5M.